9:58 PM,
Dec. 6, 2012

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Health care providers could use a "moral objection" or "matter of conscience" standard to refuse service to patients under a bill passed by the state Senate on Thursday.

By a 26-12 vote, the Senate approved the bill, which would allow health care providers -- as a matter of conscience -- to decline services they object to. It also would allow employers to refuse to pay for services for their employees that "violated the payer's conscience."

The state already has a conscientious objection clause for abortion services, but the new law also could give the green light to doctors to refuse to write ...